HIV serostatus and changes in risk behaviors among drug injectors and crack users

Interventions targeting high-risk drug users have found reductions in HIV risk behaviors over time. It is important to determine whether these changes occur among both HIV+ and HIV- drug users. A total of 225 drug injectors (31% HIV+) and 316 crack users (15% HIV+) were administered a baseline interview, received HIV testing, received test results, and participated in a 6-month follow-up interview. Both HIV+ and HIV- subjects significantly reduced risk behaviors over time, with greater reduction in some behaviors (e.g., percent of injectors sharing drug injection paraphernalia, p < .05) by HIV+ subjects. This finding supports the utility of HIV testing for high-risk drug users. Further research is needed to enhance understanding of risk behaviors and risk reduction among seropositives.